Category: Australia

Petrol, Diesel Drivers Could Be Charged Special Fee to Enter Australia’s Capital

Authorities in Canberra have not ruled out charging petrol and diesel car drivers a special fee to enter the nation’s capital as part of an ongoing push towards lower emissions. The Labor-Greens government is facing criticism over its decision to embrace the C40’s “Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator” concept, which calls on governments to only operate…


Labor’s $110 Million Military Support for Ukraine Not Enough: Shadow Foreign Minister

The Australian government’s $110 million (US$73 million) military support for Ukraine is not effective enough in addressing Ukraine’s needs, the federal opposition says. Defence Minister Richard Marles unveiled the new assistance package on June 26, which includes 70 military vehicles, a supply of 105mm artillery ammunition, and $10 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. Australia…


Unclear When Porter Davis Creditors Will Be Paid

It’s unclear when creditors owed millions of dollars following the collapse of builder Porter Davis will see their money or how much they’ll get. The company fell over in late March with about $147 million (US$97.67 million) in debt, leaving some 1700 homes in limbo in Victoria and Queensland. On June 28, around 20 people…


Western Australia Grabbing Farmer’s Properties, Thwarting Food Production

Commentary The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act comes into effect on July 1 in Western Australia (WA). Premier Roger Cook has ruled out any delay in what has been broadly regarded as a piece of legislation that puts the state “to a grinding halt and strangles much-needed industry, housing construction, and agricultural output.” The legislation was…


Is Western Australia’s Heritage Law Going to Thwart Food Production

Commentary The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act comes into effect on July 1 in Western Australia (WA). Premier Roger Cook has ruled out any delay in what has been broadly regarded as a piece of legislation that puts the state “to a grinding halt and strangles much-needed industry, housing construction, and agricultural output.” The legislation was…


Australians’ Personal Debts Reach $70 Billion Amid Rising Cost Pressure: Research

A new study has found that Australians are significantly racking up more debts to cope with high inflation compared to last year. According to research by the financial comparison website Finder, an average Australian consumer currently accumulates a debt of $20,238 (US$13,500), up from $18,301 a year ago. This figure does not include mortgages and…


Global Mining CEO Says Chile Easier to Deal With Than the Queensland Government

BHP CEO Mike Henry has continued pressuring the debt-heavy Queensland Labor government over its contentious decision to raise mining royalties in the coal-rich state. Henry reiterated that recent policies from the state (and federal) government would compel the global mining giant to pull investment from the region, despite major opportunities in critical mineral mining. “Capital…


Easing Demand Hitting Manufacturing Sector Hard

The mood among Australian manufacturers has dived as the economic outlook darkens. Manufacturing businesses have reported a pullback in new orders, stubbornly high costs for materials, energy and labour and ongoing worker shortages. Souring conditions have prompted the drop off in confidence as measured by Westpac and the Australian Chamber of Commerce to levels last…


Australian PM Is Confident of Winning Vote to Change Constitution Despite Falling Public Support

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is still confident in the success of a referendum to change Australia’s Constitution despite new polling showing a drop in the public’s approval. This comes as advocacy groups prepare to launch thousands of “Yes” events across the country to encourage Australians to back the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The Voice is…


Free Speech Takes a Backseat as Musk’s Twitter Threatened With $700,000 Daily Fines

Commentary Free speech is a precious thing. It deserves protection. It needs to be cherished. Free speech allows for new, even radical ideas to be considered. Without free speech, which is an expression of free thought, much of what is enjoyed and understood today would be denied us. In debates, the truth will ultimately win…